No matter what happens in Washington, DC—my team and I will never stop working for the people of Rhode Island.

Taking a walk is a wonderful way to explore Rhode Island’s natural, scenic and historic heritage. Our Summer Safety campaign offers tips for safe, fun hiking with the whole family! Find links to beach and water, camping and more summer safety tips at shorturl.at/kRShO

One month until the 10th Annual Duffle Bag Bash! We hope you can join us for a fun filled event!🧳

Former NFL player and advocate for foster children Gaelin Elmore was a guest speaker at last week's RI Youth Summit & Graduation, during which he shared his experiences as a foster child and emphasized the importance of belonging. Gaelin Elmore

We’re celebrating Heidi Brinig, director of Families Together, Providence Children’s Museum, who is retiring after more than 30 years. From left, Cheryl LePre, chief of licensing and regulations, Heidi and Winsome Stone, assistant director, Division of Family Services.

Sleep is a precious commodity when your family includes a baby, and it isn't always easy to follow Safe Sleep practices to reduce risk to your child. Jenn shares her story. For more Safe Sleep tips, visit shorturl.at/50zAL.

youtube.com/watch?v=RNLNC1… Director Ashley Deckert talks about the work we do and how “we're trying to prevent kids and families from coming to us to begin with.” Hear how DCYF helps protect the well-being and development of Rhode Island’s children and families.

Last week, Winsome Stone, associate director of the DCYF Division of Family Services, and Melissa Aguiar-Rivard, DCYF strategic planning director, joined RI Youth Coalition members and young adults from Rhode Island at the New England Youth Coalition conference in Devens, Mass.

Parenting or caring for an infant can be exhausting. Do you know how to put your baby "safe to sleep" every night and at naptime? Margo shares her story. For more information and tips on creating a safe sleep environment for baby, visit our website at shorturl.at/spIbD

WPRI reports that about 5 million above-ground swimming pools in the United States are being recalled after being linked to the drowning deaths of nine children between 2007 and 2022. Read more at shorturl.at/VQFJP.

We're pleased to announce that DCYF, in partnership with several state agencies, has improved access to birth certificates and identification documents for young people under the care of the Division of Youth Development. Learn more: shorturl.at/mxD65

Dr. Mara Coyle, a neonatologist at Women & Infants Hospital and professor of pediatrics at Brown University, joins Dr. Philip Chan on "Public Health Out Loud" to discuss the effects of cannabis on babies, both during and after pregnancy. Listen here: tinyurl.com/4hzk33zc

60 years of Medicaid. 60 years of expanding access to care. Medicaid makes healthcare more accessible for those who need it most. State leaders recognize the roots and continued impact of the program here: eohhs.ri.gov/press-releases…

Our 100 Days of Summer Safety campaign continues with this reminder from SafeKids.org to “look before you lock,” and never leave a child alone in a car. Find links to driving, beach and water, hiking and other summer safety tips on our website. shorturl.at/mG2pE

Come out to the 10th annual Duffle Bag Bash this Sunday, Aug. 10 at Matunuck Community Association, 619 Matunuck Beach Rd. Adult admission is a new rolling duffle bag or suitcase or $25 gift card. Child admission is a new backpack. Pre-register at shorturl.at/FKse2

As a parent or caregiver, you can take steps to create a safe sleep environment for your baby. When you put your baby "safe to sleep" for every sleep, you reduce risk to your child. Barb shares her story below. For tips on safe sleep for babies, visit shorturl.at/Hp1F0.

Parenting or caring for a baby can be exhausting. But it's so important to put your baby "safe to sleep" every night and every nap. Olinda shares her story. Learn more about safe sleep practices for infants. dcyf.ri.gov/programsinitia…

When teens use drugs to cope with life’s challenges, they’re at risk of taking fake pills. Fake pills often contain fentanyl, up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Have a real conversation about drugs’ toxic behaviors. CDC.gov/FreeMind/Paren…

Join us on September 8 for a kick-off of 988 Day in Rhode Island! This annual initiative is dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and emphasizing mental health and suicide prevention. To attend, register at tinyurl.com/mvewxdcj

As a parent, it’s important to understand your teen's risks for substance use and mental health challenges. By educating yourself, you can share what you learn with the teens in your life, and be the bridge to their success. Learn more at CDC.gov/FreeMind/Paren….